Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2330. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of complaints received in respect of the operation of the ECCE scheme three entry points for enrolment categories of persons (details supplied). [33499/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2331. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of complaints received in respect of the proposed changes in the ECCE scheme reduction of three entry points for enrolment to a single entry point from categories of persons (details supplied). [33500/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2330 and 2331 together.
The ECCE programme began in 2010 as a one-year (38 week) free pre-school programme for all children aged 3 years and 2 months on or before 31st August of the programme year as long as they would not turn 5 years and 6 months during that programme year.
In 2016, the programme was expanded by reducing the age of eligibility to 3 years, thus increasing the number of weeks of pre-school to an average of 61 weeks for eligible children. The number of entry points was also increased from one to three (September, January and April).
I announced further changes to ECCE eligibility in Budget 2018 where the lower age will be further reduced to 2 years and 8 months. The upper age limit has remained the same through all these changes and has been set at 5 years and 6 months in conjunction with the Early Years Policy Unit in the Department of Education and Skills to limit the age range of children commencing primary school education.
The number of entry points will revert from three to one at the beginning of the 2018 programme year (September). One enrolment period at the start of the pre-school year will help streamline the administration process and will make it easier for childcare providers to operate and budget for the programme year. This will also make it simpler for parents to secure places on the ECCE programme for their children.
The following is a breakdown of unique complaints/representations received by my office relating to the ECCE entry points.
Complaints regarding the three ECCE entry points.
|
Complainant |
No. |
|
Parents |
24 |
|
Providers |
8 |
|
TD on behalf of a parent |
3 |
|
TD on behalf of a provider |
2 |
|
Total |
37 |
Complaints regarding the reintroduction of one entry point.
|
Complainant |
No. |
|
Parents |
33 |
|
Social Workers |
1 |
|
TDs |
1 |
|
TD on behalf of a parent |
5 |
|
Total |
40 |
